Is ex-Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi still in line to succeed Jose Riveiro at Orlando Pirates? Agent opens up - 'He loves working on projects'

Orlando Pirates are currently without a substantive head coach following the departure of Jose Riveiro, who has since joined Al Ahly.

A number of names have been thrown around as possible men to replace Riveiro, and they include Pitso Mosimane, Benni McCarthy, Manqoba Mngqithi, Rhulani Mokwena and Fadlu Davids.

However, Mngqithi's agent, Mike Makaab, has dismissed rumours that his coach could join Pirates following the expiry of his short-term deal with Golden Arrows, which he says they are working to renew.

“At the moment, we’re busy discussing it with the club, he’s happy at the club, he loves working on projects, he’s not the sort of person who likes to chop and change, so we’re in discussions with Arrows to sort of see where it takes us,” Makaab told iDiski Times.

Pirates are looking for a coach with the pedigree to lead them into the more demanding Caf Champions League.

Mngqithi fits that bill, given the many years he spent at Sundowns, with the club participating in Africa, including being part of Pitso Mosimane's technical team, which led the club to being crowned African champions in 2016.

Also, if Mngqithi is appointed Pirates coach, he would likely retain Mandla Ncikazi, with whom he previously worked at Arrows.

If a new deal is agreed upon, Mngqithi's extension of his Arrows stay could be announced in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, Pirates will also be expected to reveal their new coach before the team regroups for pre-season training.